Stratton Pond Trail

Green Mountain National Forest

Caring for the Land and Serving People

Length: 7.8 miles round trip	Feature:  Pond
Max elevation change:  390 feet	USGS maps:  Stratton Quad
Amount of use:  Heavy	Hiking level:  Easy – Moderate
Average hike time:  5 – 6 hours round trip	Camping Fee:  $5 per person / night at the pondduring the summer / fall

Trail Description:

The trail to Stratton Pond ascends gradually through a mixed hard/softwood forest.  Several wet areas dot the trail and are particularly susceptible to erosion, so planking, known as puncheon, is set over the wet areas to minimize damage to the trail and surrounding area. This blue-blazed trail crosses several old logging roads.  At about 3.8 miles the trail crosses a stream by stepping-stones and makes a sharp turn onto an old logging road.  The junction with the Appalachian/Long Trail is reached soon after. The trail follows the AT/LT north (left) to the pond.

Stratton Pond is the largest body of water on the Long Trail, and the most heavily used location on the Appalachian Trail in Vermont.  As a result of this heavy use, the potential for impact on the shoreline and the pond’s ecosystem is serious.  Camping is restricted to the designated sites only.  Tent sites and a shelter are available at the pond, on a

first-come, first-served basis.  A $5 per person/night fee, paid to the Green Mountain Club caretaker, helps maintain the shelter and trails, monitor impacts, and protect vulnerable soil, water, and vegetation. Please practice Leave No

Trace ethics, such as carry-out/carry- in.

Directions:

From Route 7 in Arlington, take the Arlington exit and turn west on Rte 313 at the end of the exit ramp. Take the first right onto South Rd. and follow to the end. Turn right onto Kansas Road and follow over Rte 7 and over a two- lane bridge.  After the bridge turn right and travel east on the Kelley Stand Road for about 8.7 miles. The parking area will be on the north (left) side of the road.  Please note that the Kelley Stand Rd is closed in Arlington until summer 2014

From Route 100 in West Wardsboro, drive west for about 8.0 miles on the Stratton-Arlington Road (aka: Kelley Stand Road) until you see signs for the Stratton Pond trailhead parking. The parking area will be on the north (right) side of the road.

Area Services:

Food and Services: Arlington or West Wardsboro

For all Emergencies:  Call 911

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

231 North Main Street, Rutland, VT 05701

(802) 747-6700 Phone                                           (802) 747-6766 FAX Website: www.fs.usda.gov/greenmountain

The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Recreational Opportunity Guide                                                       Stratton Pond Trail

911 Information:   The trailhead is in the Town of Stratton, 1600 Stratton-Arlington  Rd.

For More Information:

Contour Interval 50 Feet

Manchester Ranger District, 2538 Depot St. (Rte 11/30), Manchester Center, VT  05255, (802) 362-2307

This Recreation Guide is Available  in Large Print at Forest Service Information  Centers